Our Take: They're working

November 13, 2013

They're working

Cameras at Florida traffic intersections have been far more controversial than cameras in Florida courtrooms. Ever since the Legislature authorized cameras to catch red-light runners in 2010, critics have tried to get the law repealed.

Results like those from a recent review of cameras in Orange County should persuade lawmakers to slam the brakes on any repeal efforts. At the 10 county intersections with red-light cameras, overall citations fell 18 percent and accidents dropped 11 percent when comparing separate one-year stretches between 2011 and 2013.

Ocoee and Apopka also reported that tickets for red-light running are down at their intersections with cameras. The manager of Apopka's program told the Sentinel, "It's doing what it's supposed to do — it's changing driving habits."

The local results are consistent with a 2011 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that found cameras cut red-light fatalities in large cities by 24 percent.

Even so, critics such as Senate Transportation Chairman Jeff Brandes still insist the cameras are just "backdoor tax increases."

There's no question that the cities and counties in Florida with cameras have together collected millions of dollars from violators. But there's a big difference between a tax increase and a red-light-running fine.

Only one — the fine — is completely avoidable. It's as simple as stopping for red lights.

Lawmakers should kick to the curb any bill to outlaw red-light cameras.